Sign of the Times
1-25-09

Hello again, here we go again. Last we met through the pages it was with the now defunct 'Free Press'. Like most of you I was caught completely off guard by the local community paper closing its doors. Of course 'The Free Press' was owned by a larger publishing company Journal Register, which like so many firms is struggling to stay afloat. Apparently 'The Free Press' didn't make the cut and so today it is history. A few weeks ago Clear Channel Communications, arguably the nations top radio station ownership corporation slashed over 1,800 jobs and still has cuts planned as we proceed into the remainder of 2009. Why media and publishing companies are struggling is obvious. American retail is hurting. If America's retailers and business owners are struggling clearly their ad spending is down or cut altogether. Its become commonplace for the first expense to drop is ad spending. Many argue this is dangerous. These cuts often hurt business and of course their extremely hard on those of us in the advertising community who rely on new clients and repeat clients to help our business model.

Today it seems if you aren't around revenue development or are at a high value to your company you may want to consider keeping an updated resume handy and posting on all of the various job boards online. For my readers from 'The Free Press' thanks for perusing my remarks once again. For those new readers to this paper let me give you the quick synopsis of what 'One Mans' View' is about.

There's plenty of columnists and reporters that will give you the news of the day. Both with and without editorial will be spread throughout the paper. In 'One Man's View' I basically try to find out what matters and is relevant to those of us north of 35, raising families and getting through life in 24 hour chunks. Hopefully you'll find 'One Man's View' worth reading and at the start thanks for tuning in today.

What's on my mind today? Navigation. How do you keep from the growing unemployment list in this volatile and spiraling downward economy? I've put the question to clients, business leaders and entrepreneurs and have come up with some good information. First of all, don't panic. The economy is at its worst point in years but it still is moving. Look around, last I checked there's people shopping at their typical stops. Maybe we're not buying as much, but we're still buying. Maybe we're not shopping as often but we're still shopping. Recently at a northeast Philadelphia diner the owner quipped 'what recession' when describing his business. It appears his steady stream of customers has maintained, even grown in the last few months.

We buy the bad news. We seem to revel in negative stuff. I'm not living in an imaginary world, I know times are tough but at the same time what's also true is that we as a community drive our own economies. When we shop and spend we do our part for commerce. More than ever before do what you can to support your local merchants. I've said it before many times, our local merchants offer the best value, best service and mean much to our communities and neighborhoods. Don't panic, shop locally owned and finally to quote the scouts, be prepared. How's your resume? Do you have one? Is it updated? Where is it ( or isn't it ) posted? Have you checked out your skills set recently? Where can you use an upgrade? I read recently that a local college is offering qualified candidates free courses this year. That's good stuff. If this economy opens you up to learning a new skill, even new profession how cool is that!

We're a nation that has always risen to adversity. We've never met a challenge in a lackadaisical manner. We'll meet this one square as well. It's time to 'man up' and find creative ways to do our jobs better and be more of a resource provider. Resource providers are always working. Resource providers are valuable and value endures in any economy. Finally, help another. Easy to be self focused when times are tough. If we all do that we step away from service to others. That's not good. To recap, don't panic, buy locally when you can, improve your skills set, market yourself and help others. What do you think happens if we all work towards this each day? Whatever you're thinking it's all good. It's good to be with you again in this new venture. As long as there's a space for me I'll attempt to fill it. Hopefully, you'll continue to read and enjoy 'One Man's View'. As always 'see ya around town'.